Please select your home edition
Edition
X-Yachts Leaderboard 2024 1

Tang, the hybrid catamaran, harbinger of things to come

by Sail-World Cruising on 29 Sep 2010
Tang sailing SW
She's called Tang, and she looks just like a normal catamaran, but normal she's not, she's the harbinger of things to come. US designer and manufacturer of large-format batteries International Battery is joining hands with Electric Marine Propulsion(EMP) to build hybrid power units for big boats and yachts.

The partnership with EMP will aim to build a hybrid power train for the world's largest plug-in, hybrid-electric sailboats -- a 60-foot Tag Yachts catamaran that runs on wind-generated electricity stored in International Battery's lithium-ion batteries.

Christened 'Tang' at its Sept. 21 launch, the carbon-fiber speedster is undergoing tests at Tag facilities in St. Francis Bay, South Africa. It will set sail later in 2010 to its owner in Florida and will appear at the Miami sailboat show in February.

Tang's hybrid system includes twin E motion 18-kilowatt permanent-magnet motors and International Battery's lithium cells configured into a 144-volt battery pack. The pack's total energy capacity is a hefty 46 kilowatt-hours. That's more than twice the usable capacity of an 8D battery pack -- the largest conventional size carried with the E motion system. Yet the lithium pack weighs roughly 40 percent less.

The company said the extra energy capacity would allow the sailing yacht to offer more luxury and power hungry amenities to passengers including a large flat screen television set, entertainment system, lighting, cafe-standard espresso machine, refrigerator-freezers, dishwasher, microwave, conventional oven, gas or electrical burner top, washer-dryer, air-conditioning and a water maker.


Analysts said the latest project could signal major changes in shipping and maritime transport, with the promise of reduced risk of pollution from fossil fuels.

'This is a transformational combination of technologies,' said EMP Chief Executive Officer Dave Tether. 'Our E Motion hybrid system converts wind and solar energy into a practical power source for boat motors and auxiliaries. And, International Battery's lithium cells provide the lightweight, high-capacity storage that really lets us take advantage of it.'

The main renewable energy input to the large-format battery pack is electricity regenerated by wind power as the boat's propellers spin in the wake, under sail. The propellers turn the 18-kilowatt propulsion motors, which automatically become generators and send electricity back to the batteries.

'The initial thrust and response when engaging forward is vastly better than anything experienced with standard diesel propulsion,' said Tim van der Steene, managing director of Tag Yachts. 'It's quiet and the power is there instantly. It goes hand-in-hand with sailing, which is about moving in harmony with nature, quietly, without polluting the environment.'

When there's not enough wind, twin 22-kilowatt diesel generators kick in automatically for recharging, together or individually as needed. The generators are 144-volt direct-current units that recharge the batteries directly without the normal energy loss incurred through a charger.

The batteries also can be charged with a 144-volt charger that plugs into shore power. The charger handles a wide range of voltages and frequencies, a big advantage in out-of-the way ports with erratic supplies of electricity.

International Battery CEO Ake Almgren said the large-format lithium prismatic cells could be used as the building blocks for battery systems with high energy density -- 'which means smaller footprints and lower weight.'

'Because we use a unique, environmentally friendly, water-based manufacturing process, our batteries will feel right at home storing clean, renewable energy for this hybrid vessel and others to follow,' said Almgren.

Cyclops Marine 2023 November - FOOTERSelden 2020 - FOOTERRS Sailing 2021 - FOOTER

Related Articles

2027 America's Cup key points announced
Key points of intent for 38th America's Cup announced ahead of the Protocol The Defender and Challenger of Record for the next America's Cup have announced the key parameters of the 38th Match, ahead of the Protocol document being formally signed off an published. It contains some significant changes.
Posted today at 8:05 am
Marine Auctions: November Online Auction
idding to open on Friday 22 November and close on Thursday 28 November Bidding to open on Friday 22 November and Close on Thursday, 28 November 2024 at 2pm AEST.
Posted today at 5:26 am
Before the 2024 Vendee starts the next race begins
The growth of the IMOCA fleet, driven out of France looks set to spill over into The Ocean Race The growth of the IMOCA fleet, driven out of France looks set to spill over into The Ocean Race, and other races based in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, with eight to ten starts and finishes offering plenty of future racing opportunities.
Posted today at 4:17 am
Vaikobi Black Friday 2024 is now on
Everything at vaikobi.com is 15 - 70% off site wide right now! Everything at vaikobi.com is 15 - 70% off site wide right now! It's a big day for watersports enthusiasts who love being comfortable and performing well on and off the water - It's the start of the 2024 Black Friday Sales at VAIKOBI.COM!
Posted today at 1:00 am
Kojiro Shiraishi - the IMOCA fleet's Obi-Wan!
The Japanese sailor is set to start his third Vendée Globe on Sunday Kojiro Shiraishi is the skipper of the IMOCA DMG MORI in the Vendée Globe. At the age of 26 he became the youngest sailor to complete a non-stop single-handed circumnavigation, twice finished 2nd in the solo BOC Challenge.
Posted on 7 Nov
L'Occitane Sailing Team set for the Vendée Globe
Clarisse Crémer: "I want to be more confident this time" Four years after completing her first solo circumnavigation of the globe, Clarisse Crémer is preparing to repeat the experience, albeit in a completely new way.
Posted on 7 Nov
US Sailing: Letter from the President
Henry Brauer formally introduce myself and focuses on priorities I wanted to take this opportunity to formally introduce myself to all of you and to update the membership on several priorities on which we are currently focused.
Posted on 7 Nov
Magenta project: Pathways of three top sailors
The Magenta Project connects with Sam Davies, Pip Hare, and Mariana Lobato as they share their paths This weekend six women, a record, are starting in the Vendee Globe, which is one of the few sailing events offering open racing between men and women. Although the Vendee has not been won by a woman, the last two round the world races have.
Posted on 7 Nov
SLAM ETNZ Deck Hoody - Now just €50
Price Drop: SLAM ETNZ Deck Hoody: Was €120 | Now €50 - Order yours today! Price Drop: SLAM ETNZ Deck Hoody: WAS €120 | NOW €50 - Order yours today! Ideal Xmas gift for America's Cup fans! Get your souvenir hoody on the America's Cup champion!
Posted on 7 Nov
Nacra 17 Europeans at Sferracavallo Day 1
First two races completed in light winds The first day of the Nacra 17 European Championship has officially begun at the Circolo Velico Sferracavallo! In light winds of 9 knots, gradually decreasing to 7-8 knots, the fleet of 18 boats and 36 sailors completed two races.
Posted on 6 Nov